Newsletter Issue 18| January - June| 2018 / Mildmay Publication

BISHOP OF MITYANA DIOCESE VISITS MILDMAY UGANDA

His Lordship Rt. Rev Stephen Kazimba, Bishop of Mityana Dioceses visits the Mildmay Uganda Laboratory.

His Lordship Rt. Rev Stephen Kazimba, n March 22nd, 2018, His partnered with Mityana District to strength- Bishop of Mityana Diocese takes a group Lordship the Rt. Rev Stephen en health care service delivery through the photograph with the Mildmay Uganda Team Kazimba, Bishop of Mitya- Health Systems Strengthening project. during his visit. Ona diocese visited Mildmay Uganda. His Lordship was guided on a His Lordship blesses the Mildmay Uganda 30 Years tour around Mildmay Uganda hospital. Masterplan. Speaking to the Bethany Clinic team, Rt. Rev Stephen Kazimba said that dif- ferent people understand love differ- ently and pointed out that patients only understand the language of love. Speaking to the Bethany Clinic Team, Rt. Rev Stephen Kazimba explained “Patients only understand the lan- that different people understand love guage of love and you have that love of differently and pointed out that pa- God. My diocese is blessed to partner tients only understand the language Mildmay,” revealed Rt. Rev Stephen of love. Kazimba. Since 2005, Mildmay Uganda has PB Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 1 26th UNASNM Annual General Meeting

Edith Akankwasa, Director MIHS opening the UNASNM Annual General Meeting

rom 15th-18th March 2018, Mildmay Uganda “As you practice your nursing and midwifery profession Hundreds Benefit from School of Nursing and Midwifery hosted the have a sense of sacrifice and contribute positively to the 26th Uganda National Association of Students nation as stipulated in your anthem. Package yourself to The Mildmay Annual Children’s Dental Camp FNurses and Midwives (UNASNM) annual gen- provide quality service health care in different health fa- eral meeting under the theme “Uplifting the Nursing cilities,” Edith Akankwasa, Director Mildmay Uganda In- Profession through empowering the student nurses and stitute of Health Sciences, advised students while open- timely. On the first day I brought He explained that children living midwives.” The event took place at Mildmay Uganda In- ing the meeting. them and they were worked upon with HIV/AIDS are more prone to stitute of Health Sciences (MIHS). “UNASNM provides us an opportunity to promote our and today I brought one more for dental and oral health difficulties. UNASNM started in 1987 as a body to unit all student work, and build leadership skills of the nurses and mid- checkup,” Barbara Aloka, happily “These children have varying oppor- nurses and midwives from various institutions in Uganda wives,” explained Immaculate Naggulu, Principal School tells her story. tunistic infections yet the available to improve academic performance, promote profession- of Nursing and Midwifery, Mildmay Institute of Health treatment is administered in syrup Barbara’s children were among al knowledge, skills and attitude, advocate for student’s Sciences. form that is full of sugars.” the over 250 children that benefited rights and adequately equip them to overcome chal- lenges in their career. The Association also promotes To Irene Nantongo, Nursing student at MIHS, the event According to Dr Paul from a five- day dental camp held The volunteer dentists leave the mutual relationship among students, schools, hospital empowered her with practical skills and knowledge Musherere, the gap for between 29th January to 2nd Febru- comfort of their homes on their own authorities, medical staff and patients. through the best practices that were shared. ary 2018 by a team of Volunteer den- budgets to come to Uganda annually oral health among chil- tists from United States in partner- to provide free comprehensive den- The event attracted 78 Nursing and Midwifery schools Nursing and Midwifery students from various institutions ship with Mildmay Uganda. tal care to children, not only to save across Uganda. Participants delved into professional listening during the UNASNM Annual general meeting dren is huge their teeth but enable them have a discussions and held elections of the new board mem- A team of 17 volunteer dentists meaningful life. Nursing and Midwifery students from various institutions particpate in through the Uganda Dental Mission bers to the association. the UNASNM Annual general meeting led by Dr Paul Musherere, a Ugan- This year, the team had about five t is recommended that children dan US based dentist spent the first new comers with a new Ugandan make a visit to a dentist at least days of the dental camp at Entebbe US based pediatric dentist, Dr once in a year unfortunately hospital providing free comprehen- Grace Nantale. “I am Ugandan and Ithis is not possible in a country sive dental care to over 140 children I understand our problem better where dental and oral care is highly (both HIV negative and positive). The than most of these people on the priced. Majority wait to see how team served over 100 HIV positive team. I have previously travelled to UNASNM provides us an critical the problem is before they children at Mildmay Uganda. many other countries participating make up their mind. in similar activities but this was the opportunity to promote our According to Dr Paul Musherere, best. Working well outside my of- “My seven-year-old twins had dental the gap for oral health among chil- fice and having everything I needed work, and build leadership problems and it was coming to a dren is huge and cannot be filled by to carry out the job,” she said. The week and I was still confused on skills of the Nurses and individual efforts. However, we will dental camp has so far saved over what to do next. Luckily I heard keep coming so as to raise aware- 4000 children from dental disorders. Midwives about free dental services being of- ness about the problem and hope fered at Entebbe hospital by Ameri- for a change in the system. can volunteer dentists and it was 2 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 3 OVC PROGRAM EQUIPS ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN IN BUSSI The nonprofit asso- ciation will seek to SUB COUNTY further the teaching profession at MIHS

The MITSA team cut cake with the guest of honor to celebrate the launch of the Association “Empowering girls and young women to stay free from HIV by equip- ping them with basic MIHS launches the economic skills requires efforts tailored to fight- Mildmay Institute ing poverty and unem- ployment which we failed,” Maria narrates. Bussi Sub County that enabled her of Health Sciences to make a right choice to undergo aria Nabakka, 18 years In order for her to improve her a training of liquid soap making. Teaching Staff is a school dropout family livelihood she decided to Maria is among the seventy Ado- of primary seven who start a small business at home lescent Girls and Young Women Association failed to continue with which sells bananas and tomatoes (AGYWs) that were graduated after M giving her shillings 30,000 per day A group picture of the MITSA team with the Guest of her studies because her parents completing a two months train- Honour (middle) after the launch of the Association wouldn’t afford. that helps to buy a few basic needs ing in economic empowerment. at home and also sustain the busi- The training equipped them with n the 18th, April 2018, was established two years ago contributed to the team,” revealed “I failed to complete my Primary ness. knowledge and technical meth- Mildmay Institute of from Mildmay Uganda hospital so Dr. Yvonne Karamagi. Leaving Examinations (PLE) be- odology of liquid soap and candle Health Sciences (MIHS) today it so encouraging to see this cause in the previous classes I had A community mobilization under According to Edith Akankwasa, Di- making. launched the Mild- forum formed. a debt of school fees which kept the integration of DREAMS initia- O rector MIHS, the association will may Institute of Health Sciences tives into Orphan and Vulnerable on accumulating. The headmas- Despite the short distance from Teaching Staff Association (MIT- “We want to advance this institute. safe guard and oversee all mat- Children (OVC) programming vis- ter asked my parents to first pay Entebbe town, Bussi Island is one SA) with the vision to promote a This will depend on nurturing peo- ters of teaching and wellbeing of ited her village called Bwaise - off the debts to enable me sit PLE of the hard to access areas. The highly motivated teaching staff. ple with values and professional- staff. “We cannot talk about qual- integration of DREAMS initiatives The nonprofit association will seek ism. Am certain that this associa- ity without talking about teachers into OVC programming in Bussi to further the teaching profession tion launched today will be a better and we cannot talk about teach- sub county has empowered AGY- at MIHS aiming at constituting a platform for this kind of develop- ers regarding quality services and Ws to stay free from HIV/AIDs. The body that shall regulate, safeguard ment,” Dr. Eva Kasirye added. are not happy or motivated and program targets AGYWs between also a sense of belonging. MITSA and oversee all matters regarding Dr. Yvonne Karamagi, Patron the ages of 10-24. “Empowering is aimed at fostering a spirit of teaching, learning and protect the MITSA revealed that she was so girls and young women to stay free team work and healthy strong re- interests of the teaching staff; pro- humbled and honored to be cho- from HIV by equipping them with lationships amongst teachers and mote the advancement of knowl- sen as the association’s patron. basic economic skills requires ef- improving mutual understanding edge among teaching staff for the “Am so humbled and honored to forts tailored to fighting poverty among MIHS staff. So today is a efficiency and usefulness of mem- be the patron of MITSA. I pledge to and unemployment which we real- great day and an important mile- bers of the association. be a servant leader to the team by ized are Bussi’s biggest problem,” stone for the institute because we listening and working closely with said Agnes Nakanwagi, Counsel- Dr. Eva Kasirye, Chairperson MIHS are telling teachers manage and them for the growth of our insti- ing Coordinator at Mildmay Ugan- Governing Council, and the Guest motivate yourselves which leads to tute so that it can move to great- Agnes Nakanwagi, Counseling Coordinator at Mildmay Uganda addressing the AYGWs da. The program has reached out of Honour, said the launch of MIT- offering quality services.” during the handover event of the startup capital kits in Bussi Sub County at Kidayo HCII ness. At the end of my term there to 117 AGYWs in four economic SA is a great event in the founda- will be a landmark showing what I groups with skills in liquid soap tion of MIHS because the institute 4 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter and candle making. Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 5 During the training, journalists identified strategic themes linked to HIV/AIDS that could be cov-

ered by the media. Mr. Dimon Phillip, Spokes Person, United States of America (USA) Uganda Embassy presents during the Journalists take a group photograph after visiting the Mildmay Uganda Laboratory meeting

MILDMAY UGANDA BUILDS MILDMAY UGANDA PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA THROUGH HOSTS THE CDC A TWO DAY MEDIA TRAINING COMMUNICATION

ine health reporters from ing national epidemics. “Prevention ries on issues surrounding HIV/AIDS QUARTERLY ROUND leading media houses can be achieved through information and can now confront issues in the within benefited and we rely on the media to pass on field of health and HIV/AIDS as an TABLE MEETING from a two-days media this information thus important for epidemic without breaking ethical N Participants take a group photograph after the meeting training held at Mildmay Uganda be- you to carry out continuous research standards,” said John Paul Ssebad- tween 14th and 15th March 2018. on new angles arising from the field duka, a Central Broadcasting Ser- of HIV/AIDS.” vices CBS FM reporter. he Centers for Disease Con- munications and outreach expertise The training which was the first of its trol and prevention (CDC) as well as learn from each other. kind was aimed at building capacity During the training, journalists iden- “There have been a number of poorly held the communicators’ of media personnel in health and HIV tified strategic themes linked to HIV/ approached investigations and re- quarterly round table meet- “Identify opportunities for improve- reporting so as to accelerate report- AIDS that could be covered by the ports on issues surrounding HIV/ The quarterly meet- T ment in telling your story to stimu- ing on the 06th.03.2018 at Mildmay ing on HIV prevention related issues media. These included nutrition for AIDS by the media in the recent past ings are organized Uganda which involved communica- lated patient journeys which will lead with focus on UNAIDS target of 95 95 new-born babies from mothers liv- due to ignorance and inadequate re- tion teams from all the implementing to actionable insights on effective 95 as the country makes strides to- ing with HIV, Elimination of Mother search however with the knowledge to increase partner/ partners (IPs) of HIV/AIDS preven- service improvement in the facilities wards an HIV free Generation. to Child Transmission of HIV, disclo- and the tips got from this training, stakeholders aware- tion, care and treatment in Uganda where you operate,” said Therese sure and male involvement in health we are going to be able to properly supported by CDC. Wingate, Deputy Country Director In his opening remarks, the Mildmay related issues. compile information for the public ness and recognition CDC. Uganda Director of Sustainability & which is validated from health re- of CDC/mission pro- The quarterly meetings are orga- Partnerships, Richard Wanyama said “I feel that as journalists we are now search,” revealed Violet Nabatanzi, a nized to increase partner/stakehold- prevention is the backbone of curb- in a better position to write good sto- Vision Group Journalist. grams ... ers awareness and recognition of CDC/mission programs, share com-

6 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 7 WAKISO DISTRICT COMMEMMORATES WORLD TB DAY Y+ SUMMIT 2018 “Working with young people is an TB infections. “If you are seated near Pheona Busingye, Regional Man- interesting adventure however for results, young people need space. a window in a taxi and you don’t want ager, Mildmay Uganda Wakiso, Space to express themselves, space to open it, learn that, that is an av- thanked the district for supporting to grow, space to learn new things” enue for TB infections,” he revealed. Mildmay Uganda and called upon the said Harriet Obbo MUg TB day is a worldwide general public to desist from buying event that aims to raise Dr. Seviiri Mathias, Acting District incomplete doses from nearby phar- The participants were taught about Health Officer (DHO), noted with their rights and responsibilities in so- public awareness of tu- macies. “Let us stop going to phar- concern that about 46% of the peo- macies to get dosages for only one or ciety. They were taught that human rights are universal but are violated in berculosis and the efforts ple still acquire TB because of lack two days because that is not proper. various ways some of which are over made to prevent and treat of awareness. “Most people are still Ensure you get complete doses”. looked by individuals and communi- this disease. unaware about TB. I am happy that all the leaders are represented here TB day is a worldwide event that ties. “The constitution was not made for those without HIV/AIDS but for all and together we shall devise means aims to raise public awareness of who subscribe under the tag human akiso district commem- of how community leaders can be tuberculosis and the efforts made to Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, State Minister of Youth & Children Affairs addresses the Young beings” said Mrs. Nakibuuka Musisi People orated World TB day at engaged in the fight against TB.” prevent and treat this disease. of CEHURD Uganda. Kakiri HCIII on 4th April, March) at Nob View Hotel Ntinda had Dr Seviiri also said they will bor- According to the Ministry of Health, 2018, under the theme; 200+ attendees from TASO, Alliance Uganda joined the rest of the world W row some of the responses got Uganda has an estimated 90,000 TB Global, Baylor Uganda, PHAU, CEHU- in the struggle towards eliminating “Leaders for a TB-Free Uganda.” from schools which participated in cases of which about 60% are co- RD Uganda, UNAIDS, NAFOPHANU, the HIV/AIDS pandemic from the face Presiding over the event, the LCV the Easy Competition on how to en- infected with ‪HIV/AIDS. The 2010 Uganda Cares, Nsambya Homecare, of the earth. Mildmay Uganda is also Chairman, Matia Lwanga Bwanika gage community leaders in the fight Global WHO Report ranked Uganda the Ministry of Health and Mildmay taking part in the fight through elimi- called upon everyone to be vigilant against TB. 16th among the 22 TB high burden “Young people should Uganda. Mildmay Uganda was well nation of mother to child transmission represented with about 40 partici- (EMTCT). “It is on record that since about ventilation so as to minimize countries. feel confident about who pants. The major aim of the summit 2014 all babies delivered at Mildmay they are. The real beauty was promoting effective advocacy have been discovered to be negative among young people living with HIV. therefore it is possible to completely is inside. What you are The youth have a number of chal- push AIDs out of the human popula- capable of is what makes lenges among which the most preva- tion” said Dr. Violet Nabatte MUg lent is the issue of failure to be fully you beautiful” involved in most of the crucial activi- The Minister for the youth Hon Flor- ties of society as a result of stigma. ence Nakiwala Kiyingi called upon all UNYPA intends to have young posi- stake holders to utilize her office as tives (10-25years) share experiences the minister for the youth while ap- ganda’s population is domi- and strategically rethink about how to preciating UNYPA’s initiative to ad- nated by youth. With the address stigma and discrimination in vocate for a stigma free society. She prevalence of HIV/AIDS, the health setting with an adult-youth encouraged the youth to search for the call to contain the exis- partnership while having participants opportunities to involve themselves in U all activities within the societies they tence of the virus within the popula- from different districts engage in tion points to ensuring it is contained meaningful advocacy so as to be able live in. “There is nothing as good as a first among the dominant popula- to confront HIV/AIDS with bold steps. seed emerging from an area of weak- tion. Mildmay Uganda, partnered ness. Know your capital. Confidence with Uganda network of young people “Young people should feel confident and volunteerism are key aspects of living with HIV (UNYPA) for the Y+ about who they are. The real beauty youth livelihood” she said. Summit 2018 under the theme CON- is inside. What you are capable of is The Y+ summit is an annual conven- FRONTING HIV WITH BOLD STEPS in what makes you beautiful” said Mike tion organized by UNYPA to address a bid to advocate for healthy positive Kazibwe of peer to peer. He urges the issues of young people living with living. youth to push for whatever change they desire to see since they alone HIV/AIDS. It’s a platform to create The three days’ summit (18th-20th know the kind of leader they need. advocacy for the voiceless especially those living with HIV/AIDS. Phionah Busingye, Regional Manager Mildmay Uganda and her team deliver a presentation during the event 8 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 9 Pictorial

Our Internationally Accredited (by SANAS) and well equipped Laboratory provides 24 Hours Diagnostic, Monitoring and Consultative Services to the public by a profes- sional Team. You can access CD4, CD3, CD8, CD45, Viral Load, EID, Complete Blood Count, ESR, Blood Group& X Match, INR/PT services. We also offer Urinalysis, CSF Analysis and other body fluids, Blood culture and sensitivity, Sputum GeneXpert, Sputum ZN, Hepatitis B, Cryptococcus Antigen [CrAg], Syphilis Screening, Malaria testing, HIV testing, Pregnancy Testing, Bacterial and fungal culture and sensitiv- ity, Parasitology, Electrolytes(Nat Kt Ct). Our Laboratory is a backup to Central Processing Health Laboratories(CPHL) for Viral Load.

10 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 11 NEW RESEARCH TO ADDRESS LOW ART ADHERENCE AND LACK OF VIRAL LOAD IN HER OWN WORDS: SUPRESSION A MOTHER’S TALE TO KEEPING HER 90 and end AIDS by 2030,” said Dr that showed a 50 percent adherence BABY HIV-FREE Olaro. rate in cases where clients were mo- tivated to take their ARVs. She educated me as well as shared success stories of people who were He also urged students at Mildmay the benefits of testing and taking living positively with HIV. I told my Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS)to Dr. Shaban Mugerwa, AIDS Control early treatment (in case I was HIV husband about my status who fortu- ...a smaller pilot study pre- be ambassadors of Mildmay Uganda Programme Focal Person at the Positive), specifically for my unborn nately knew about his status and he and said, “I hope students here rep- Ministry of Health, applauded Mild- child. I took an HIV test and it came equally encouraged her to continue viously done showed a 50 resent the true picture of Mildmay may Uganda for undertaking Re- back positive. I was very devastated. taking my ARVs. I thought it was the end of the world percent adherence rate in Uganda. Be associated with beliefs search. “Research is the way to go I was very excited after Delivering a HIV free baby cases where clients were of this organization which include and cannot be done without evidence for me. I was angry with my husband giving birth. My child was because I was very young and at compassion for the people in need.” because evidence influences policy I was very excited after giving birth. motivated to take their born HIV negative. I did a the same time expecting his child. I and programming,” said Dr. Muger- My child was born HIV negative. I ARVs. couldn’t just abandon my home. Dr Yvonne Karamagi, Director Medi- wa. He added that they are grateful final test when my baby did a final test when my baby was cal Services at Mildmay Uganda, to Mildmay Uganda’s contribution in 18 months old, and the results con- ildmay Uganda in part- was 18 months old, and However, with continued encour- who represented the local Principle HIV prevention through the Elimina- firmed her negative status. I contin- nership with US based agement and support from the VHT, Investigator and Executive Director, tion of Mother to Child Transmission the results confirmed her ued seeking guidance from health RAND Corporation has I pulled through and started treat- Dr. Barbara Mukasa, said Mildmay of HIV (EMTCT) programme which negative status. ment so that I could prevent the vi- workers at Bukuya Health Center III launched a five-year re- M Uganda is proud of hosting the BEST has registered success. rus from infecting my unborn child. with the support of our VHT on how search study aimed addressing the study because continuous adherence After my second prenatal visit, the to live a positive life. I also support problem of low ART adherence and plays a pivotal role in care. “If a client The five-year study is a collaborative VHT spent time with me one-on-one, fellow women based on my experi- lack of viral load suppression among y name is Jackline Kwasi- has adherence then any regimen is project between RAND Corporation which made me feel very encour- ence. I am ready to live a normal life. bwe, and I am a 22-year- clients at Mildmay Uganda. good for them because they can stay USA and Mildmay Uganda Research aged. She told me that if I took the I have started a shop to support my longer on the same regimen.” Center with funding from the Na- old woman from Bu- children. I thank our VHT for visiting The Behavioral Economics Incentives medication regularly, my baby had a tional Institute of Health, USA and kuya in district my home and educating me on the to Support HIV treatment Adherence M high chance of being born negative, Central Uganda. I was supported to BEST will offer small prizes annu- will target about 330 clients with and that I also had a good chance of benefits of testing for HIV. I would in Sub-Saharan Africa (BEST) study marry HIV positive living husband. I ally ranging between UGX 5000 to focus on mature patients who have living a healthy, long, and produc- have infected my new innocent baby was launched on 18th April, 2018 by am the sole breadwinner at home, 10,000 as motivation to clients with been on treatment for a number of tive life. She also shared with me boy. Dr Charles Olaro the Director Clini- since my husband has no enough a consistent record of drug adher- years without viral load suppression. cal Services, Ministry of Health on ence. These include tea mugs, water resources to look after all the three behalf of Hon. Sarah Opendi, State bottles and umbrellas. Mildmay Uganda partners with Min- families. It is my responsibility to see Minister of General Duties. istry of Health and Uganda AIDS to it that the fundamental needs of According to Harriet Chemusto, an Commission to implement national all my children are met. Dr Olaro said that whatever is done, Epidemiologist at Mildmay Uganda, health and AIDS plans and strategies is based on evidence including peo- Knowing my HIV status the study comes as a result of a guided by the national policy frame- ple’s behaviors and warned that ev- smaller pilot study previously done work. I was hesitant to test for HIV at Bu- ery behavior has implications. “Your kuya HCIII because I knew I was behavior has got economic implica- very fine with no history of constant tion starting from failure to put on sicknesses before and therefore an a condom, men not seeking proper HIV test was not a priority. I couldn’t care and using women as determi- even think of testing. I knew I and nants to establish their status. It’s my co-wives were faithful to our worse when they start sharing HIV husband. However, in December treatment with their wives. How- 2016 while running my daily errands ever, we thank Mildmay Uganda Re- at home in Birra village, I was vis- search Center for championing male ited by a Community Health Worker involvement. As a ministry, we need (VHT), Nalugwa Joyce from Mako- evidence to influence policy and pro- koto Sub County and encouraged to gramming and pledge our support test for HIV on my second pregnancy. that will enable us achieve the 90 90 Dr. Charles Olaro the Director Clinical Services, Ministry of Health (Center) takes a group photograph with the MIldmay Uganda Team after the launch of BEST study at Mildmay Uganda Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 13 12 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter UNITAID-CHAI COMMUNITY ADVISORY A VILLAGE HEALTH TEAM MEMBER BOARD VISITS MILDMAY UGANDA SAVES MY LIFE Enrolls into care HOSPITAL ane Nambiro, 31 years old lives with her seven children in Kalongo village, Kitimbi Sub county Jane was found to be HIV positive and was immediately . Living in a dilapidated house enrolled on ART while she was four months pregnant. Jleft to her by the first husband who died in 2011, The VHT encouraged her to bring her husband who later Jane narrates how life was difficult since she had no per- accompanied her to Bukuya HCIII where he was coun- manent income to help her raise the first three children. seled, tested and initiated on antiretroviral treatment (ART) after being found with the virus. In her desperate situation, she met a man who promised to marry her and continue providing essential needs for Jane was happy that her husband accepted to be tested “Young people should her and her children who were very young and had no and enrolled on ART. Jane has taken all her remaining feel confident about who support from her previous husband’s family. Her new children for HIV test to Bukuya with support from the husband was always away in Kampala (Capital City of they are. The real beauty VHT. She is committed to taking her medication to pro- Uganda) doing petty jobs. In the process, she had three tect her health and her baby. is inside. What you are more children with him. capable of is what makes Life is saved you beautiful” A chart with a VHT working with Bukuya HC III who visited her when pregnant with her fourth Dr. Yvonne Karamagi briefs the UNITAID-CHAI Community Advisory Board on the Mildmay Uganda growth path child saved her life and family. “The VHT edu- cated me on the benefits of HIV testing and consortium from UNITAID- may Uganda Hospital, the exercise is weakness would distract my plans also attending antenatal care and delivery CHAI Community Advisory on-going and expect to reach about and this forced me to forgo my drugs at a health facility,” she explains. She was Board visited Mildmay 1200 clients. sometimes. Fortunately, I was intro- inspired by the message and was voluntarily Uganda Hospital to inter- duced to DTG and I find it very good, supported by Milly Nabisera a Village Health A “I make a living through transac- Team member trained by Mildmay Uganda face with patients and clinicians I take it in the morning and can con- on Dolutegravir (DTG) as one of the tional sex. Unfortunately the regi- tinue with my planned schedules with support from Rotary UK through the partners piloting this new drug. men I was on previously was not uninterrupted with sleep. It actually ABC project in Kalongo village, Kitumbi user friendly given my type of job. feels like I am not on any medica- Sub County to test for HIV at Bukuya According Dr. Atim Joan, Hospital I normally go to meet my clients at tion,” said Jovia one of the pioneer Health Center III. DTG roll out Focal Person at Mild- night however the issue of sleep and DTG clients.

Dr. Stephen Watiti, a DTG National Champion welcomed the Team to Mildmay Uganda and thanked the Ministry of Health for the innitiative. “The VHT educated me on the benefits of HIV testing In 2017, Ministry of Health (MoH) introduced Dolutegravir (DTG) as and also attending antena- a new drug to replace Nevirapine tal care and delivery at a (NVP) and Efavirenz (EFV). Dolute- gravir (DTG) is used to suppress the health facility,” viral load and is taken as one tablet of 50 mg once daily together with other antiretroviral drugs. Over 300 Jane Nambiro with her baby takes a photograph with one of the VHTs that supported UNITAID-CHAI Community Advisory Board takes a group photograph with the Mildmay clients have been enrolled on DTG at her to access comprehensive HIV care at Bukuya Health Center III Uganda Team Mildmay Uganda 24 Hour Hospital.

14 Mildmay Uganda Newsletter Mildmay Uganda Newsletter 15 LIVES SAVED

To Nalugwa Joyce, one of the trained lage Health Team members with and supported VHTs under the proj- knowledge, skills and equipment to ect, supporting women in the com- support eMTCT clients access com- munity to access care from the facil- prehensive HIV care in Bukuya, Ma- ities more especially HIV testing and kokoto and Kitumbi sub counties; “I feel very confident enrolment into care is one of the best a catchment area for Bukuya HC III and empowered as I things that has ever happened to her. due to high HIV prevalence rate and contribute to preventing “I feel very confident and empowered goldmine (HIV - hotspot contributing as I contribute to preventing mother- to the ANC HIV prevalence rate of mother-to-child trans- to-child transmission of HIV through 4.5% higher than the district preva- mission of HIV through VHT involvement in our community. lence of 3.5%). It makes me feel good when I see so The only HCIII facility in the area VHT involvement in our many lives being changed and chil- serves a population of over 97,801 dren being born HIV-free,” she nar- community. (50,714 males and 47, 087 females). rates. Delivery of HIV+ mothers is at 44% To date, Mildmay Uganda partner- lower than the national rate of 75% ship with Rotary UK through the ABC due to shortage of Midwives at the ackline is one of the many project has strengthened commu- facility to provide the basic Maternal women that have had their nity interventions to improve link- New born and Child Health services lives and those of their ba- ages and retention of mother baby (MNCH) to mothers and their infants. Jbies saved through the Vil- pairs in care by empowering 20 Vil- lage Health Team model to link women in the community with health facilities to test for HIV and be enrolled into HIV care. The ini- tiative that started in 2016 is supported by Mildmay Uganda with funding from Rotary UK through the ABC project. The project has strengthened community sensitiza- tion, mobilization, re- ferral and follow-up of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (eMTCT) cli- Village Health Team members supporting the community under the ABC project ents through VHTs.

P.O. Box 24985 Kampala, Uganda +256 312 210200 / +256 312 210205 [email protected] www.facebook.com/mildmayuganda Mildmay Uganda

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